Boko Haram Ambush Soldiers in Borno, Kill Battalion Commander
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the tragic death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, alongside several soldiers, following a fierce exchange with Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
A military source who spoke to PulseNets revealed that the confrontation occurred during a counteroffensive operation under Operation Hadin Kai, when troops repelled a major terrorist assault on their position. The intense battle, according to the source, resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
In a statement obtained by PulseNets and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, the Army confirmed that the troops under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade displayed exceptional gallantry in foiling the attempted incursion.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, on October 17, 2025, successfully thwarted an attempted assault by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area.
Unfortunately, the encounter came at a cost, as the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and other brave soldiers paid the supreme price,”
— Major Anele stated.
According to Anele, the soldiers engaged the insurgents in a prolonged gun battle, neutralising several fighters and dismantling multiple terrorist hideouts in the region. She noted that the operation averted what could have been a catastrophic attack on civilians and vital infrastructure.
“The troops’ courage frustrated the terrorists’ plans to disrupt peace and socio-economic activities in Bama and nearby communities. Some of the fleeing terrorists sustained gunshot wounds as our forces maintained operational superiority,”
— she added.
The Army spokesperson told PulseNets that the fallen officers were “heroes who laid down their lives for the unity and stability of Nigeria,” stressing that their bravery would remain a beacon of honour within the ranks.
“The Nigerian Army mourns deeply. Their sacrifices represent the finest spirit of duty and patriotism.
We will continue to honour their memory and intensify operations until terrorism is completely rooted out of our nation,”
— Major Anele affirmed.
PulseNets learnt that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has personally reached out to the families of the deceased soldiers, offering condolences and describing them as “fathers, brothers, and sons who exhibited extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.”
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Oluyede also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against insurgents across the North-East and beyond until enduring peace is restored.
Meanwhile, the Army has urged members of the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing images of the fallen personnel until their next of kin have been duly informed, in order to protect their dignity and the privacy of their families.
